THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel(1), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,
After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,
(1) Under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel may be awarded to products which have a reduced environmental impact during their entire life cycle.
(2) Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 provides that specific EU Ecolabel criteria are to be established according to product groups.
(3) Commission Decision 2006/799/EC(2)and Commission Decision 2007/64/EC(3)have established the ecological criteria and the related assessment and verification requirements for soil improvers and growing media, respectively, which are valid until 31 December 2015.
(4) In order to better reflect the state of the art of the market for these product groups and take into account the innovation of the last years, it is considered appropriate to merge both product groups into one product group and add mulch to its scope, as it is distinguished as a type of soil improver with particular characteristics and functions.
(5) The revised criteria, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements should be valid for 4 years from the date of adoption of this Decision, taking into account the innovation cycle for this product group. These criteria aim at promoting the recycling of materials, the use of renewable and recycled materials, thus reducing environmental degradation, and decreasing soil and water pollution by means of establishing strict limits on pollutants concentrations in the final product.
(6) Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC should therefore be replaced by this Decision.
(7) A transitional period should be allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for soil improvers and growing media on the basis of the criteria set out in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC, respectively, so that they have sufficient time to adapt their products to comply with the revised criteria and requirements.
(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ shall comprise growing media, organic soil improvers and organic mulch.
Article 2
For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)
‘Growing medium’ means a material used as a substrate for root development, in which plants are grown;
(2)
‘Mineral growing medium’ means a growing medium totally composed by mineral constituents;
(3)
‘Soil improver’ means a material added to soil in situ whose main function is to maintain or improve its physical and/or chemical and/or biological properties, with the exception of liming materials;
(4)
‘Organic soil improver’ means a soil improver containing carbonaceous materials whose main function is to increase soil organic matter content;
(5)
‘Mulch’ means a type of soil improver used as protective covering placed around plants on the topsoil whose specific functions are to prevent the loss of moisture, control weed growth, and reduce soil erosion;
(6)
‘Organic mulch’ means mulch containing carbonaceous materials derived from biomass;
(7)
‘Constituent’ means any input material that can be used as an ingredient of the product;
(8)
‘Organic constituent’ means a constituent composed by carbonaceous materials;
(9)
‘Product family’ means the range of products composed by the same constituents;
(10)
‘Annual output’ means annual production of a product family;
(11)
‘Annual input’ means the annual amount of materials treated in a waste or animal by-product treatment plant;
(12)
‘Batch’ means quantity of goods manufactured by the same process under the same conditions and labelled in the same manner and is assumed to have the same characteristics;
(13)
‘Bio-waste’ means biodegradable garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises and comparable waste from food processing plants;
(14)
‘Biomass’ means the biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues from biological origin from agriculture (including vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste.
Article 3
In order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, a product shall fall within the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’, as defined in Article 1 of this Decision and shall comply with the criteria as well as the related assessment and verification requirements set out in the Annex.
Article 4
The criteria for the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ and the related assessment and verification requirements shall be valid for 4 years from the date of adoption of this Decision.
Article 5
For administrative purposes the code number assigned to the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ shall be ‘048’.
Article 6
Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC are repealed.
Article 7
1. By derogation from Article 6, applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product groups ‘soil improvers’ or ‘growing media’ submitted before the date of adoption of this Decision shall be evaluated in accordance with the conditions laid down in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC, respectively.
2. Applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product groups ‘soil improvers’ or ‘growing media’ submitted within 2 months from the date of adoption of this Decision may be based either on the criteria set out in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC, respectively, or on the criteria set out in this Decision. Those applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria on which they are based.
3. EU Ecolabel licences awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC may be used for 12 months from the date of adoption of this Decision.
Article 8
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
The product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ shall comprise growing media, organic soil improvers and organic mulch.
In order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, a product shall fall within the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’, as defined in Article 1 of this Decision and shall comply with the criteria as well as the related assessment and verification requirements set out in the Annex.
The criteria for the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ and the related assessment and verification requirements shall be valid for 4 years from the date of adoption of this Decision.
For administrative purposes the code number assigned to the product group ‘growing media, soil improvers and mulch’ shall be ‘048’.
Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC are repealed.
1. By derogation from Article 6, applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product groups ‘soil improvers’ or ‘growing media’ submitted before the date of adoption of this Decision shall be evaluated in accordance with the conditions laid down in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC, respectively.
2. Applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product groups ‘soil improvers’ or ‘growing media’ submitted within 2 months from the date of adoption of this Decision may be based either on the criteria set out in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC, respectively, or on the criteria set out in this Decision. Those applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria on which they are based.
3. EU Ecolabel licences awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in Decision 2006/799/EC and Decision 2007/64/EC may be used for 12 months from the date of adoption of this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
ANNEXEU ECOLABEL CRITERIACriteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to growing media, soil improvers and mulch:
Criterion 1 | — Constituents |
Criterion 2 | — Organic constituents |
Criterion 3 | — Mineral growing media and mineral constituents |
Criterion 3.1 | — Energy consumption and CO2emissions |
Criterion 3.2 | — Sources of mineral extraction |
Criterion 3.3 | — Mineral growing media use and after use |
Criterion 4 | — Recycled/recovered and organic materials in growing media |
Criterion 5 | — Limitation of hazardous substances |
Criterion 5.1 | — Heavy metals |
Criterion 5.2 | — Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Criterion 5.3 | — Hazardous substances and mixtures |
Criterion 5.4 | — Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1) |
Criterion 5.5 | — Limits forE. coliandSalmonellaspp. |
Criterion 6 | — Stability |
Criterion 7 | — Physical contaminants |
Criterion 8 | — Organic matter and dry matter |
Criterion 9 | — Viable weed seeds and plant propagules |
Criterion 10 | — Plant response |
Criterion 11 | — Growing media features |
Criterion 12 | — Provision of information |
Criterion 13 | — Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel |
Table 1
Applicability of the different criteria to each type of product covered by the scope
Criterion | Growing media | Soil improvers | Mulch
Criterion 1 — Constituents | x | x | x
Criterion 2 — Organic constituents | x | x | x
Criterion 3.1. — Mineral growing media and mineral constituents: Energy consumption and CO2emissions | x | |
Criterion 3.2 — Mineral growing media and mineral constituents: Sources of mineral extraction | x | x | x
Criterion 3.3 — Mineral growing media and mineral constituents: Mineral growing media use and after use | x | |
Criterion 4 — Recycled/recovered and organic materials in growing media | x | |
Criterion 5 — Limitation of hazardous substances | | |
Criterion 5.1 — Heavy metals | x | x | x
Criterion 5.2 — Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons | x | x | x
Criterion 5.3 — Hazardous substances and mixtures | x | x | x
Criterion 5.4 — Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | x | x | x
Criterion 5.5 — Limits forE. coliandSalmonellaspp. | x | x | x
Criterion 6 — Stability | x | x | x
Criterion 7 — Physical contaminants | x | x | x
Criterion 8 — Organic matter and dry matter | | x | x
Criterion 9 — Viable weed seeds and plant propagules | x | x |
Criterion 10 — Plant response | x | x |
Criterion 11 — Growing media features | x | |
Criterion 12 — Provision of information | x | x | x
Criterion 13 — Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel | x | x | xASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTSThe specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.
Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses, test reports, or other evidence to show compliance with the criteria, these may originate from the applicant and/or their supplier(s) as appropriate.
Competent Bodies shall preferentially recognise attestations which are issued by bodies accredited according to the relevant harmonised standard for testing and calibration laboratories and verifications by bodies that are accredited according to the relevant harmonised standard for bodies certifying products, processes and services.
Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if the Competent Body assessing the application accepts their equivalence.
Where appropriate, Competent Bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications.
As pre-requisite, the product must meet all respective legal requirements of the country (countries) in which the product is intended to be placed on the market. The applicant shall declare the product’s compliance with this requirement.
The sampling shall be carried out according to EN 12579 (Soil improvers and growing media. Sampling). Samples shall be prepared according to EN 13040 (Soil improvers and growing media. Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests, determination of dry matter content, moisture content and laboratory compacted bulk density).
For the application year, the sampling and test frequency shall fulfil the requirements set in Appendix 1. For the following years, the sampling and test frequency of final products shall fulfil the requirements set in Appendix 2. Different sampling and testing frequencies are set for the following types of plants:
— | Type 1 | : | Treatment plants for waste or for animal by-products
— | Type 2 | : | Product manufacture plants using materials from Type 1 plants
— | Type 3 | : | Product manufacture plants not using materials derived from waste or from animal by-products.For Type 2 plants, the sampling and test frequencies for the application year and the following years will be the same as the frequencies set for Type 3, if their waste/animal by-product-derived materials’ suppliers comply with the EU Ecolabel criteria for soil improvers. The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with the test reports from the suppliers, together with the documentation to ensure the compliance of the suppliers with the EU Ecolabel criteria. The Competent Body may recognize the sampling and testing frequencies within the national or regional legislation and standards as valid to ensure the compliance with the EU Ecolabel criteria of the suppliers of waste or animal by-products derived materials. In case when a product constitutes or contains material of animal origin reference shall be done to microbiological standards and animal and public health controls set out in Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011(2).
Criterion 1 — Constituents
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
The constituents admitted shall be organic and/or mineral constituents.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a list of constituents of the product.
Criterion 2 — Organic constituents
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
Criterion 2.1. A final product shall not contain peat.
Criterion 2.2.
(1) | The following materials are allowed as organic constituents of a final product.—Materials derived from the recycling of bio-waste from separate collection, as defined in Article 3 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(3).—Materials derived from category 2 and 3 animal by-products as laid down in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4)and technical standards which are laid down by implementing Regulation (EU) 142/2011.—Materials derived from faecal matter, straw and other natural non-hazardous agricultural or forestry material as defined in Article 2(1)(f) of Directive 2008/98/EC.—Materials derived from any other biomass by-products, as defined in Article 5 of Directive 2008/98/EC, that are not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3.—Materials derived from recycling or recovery of any other biomass waste not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3. | — | Materials derived from the recycling of bio-waste from separate collection, as defined in Article 3 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(3). | — | Materials derived from category 2 and 3 animal by-products as laid down in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4)and technical standards which are laid down by implementing Regulation (EU) 142/2011. | — | Materials derived from faecal matter, straw and other natural non-hazardous agricultural or forestry material as defined in Article 2(1)(f) of Directive 2008/98/EC. | — | Materials derived from any other biomass by-products, as defined in Article 5 of Directive 2008/98/EC, that are not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3. | — | Materials derived from recycling or recovery of any other biomass waste not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3.
— | Materials derived from the recycling of bio-waste from separate collection, as defined in Article 3 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(3).
— | Materials derived from category 2 and 3 animal by-products as laid down in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4)and technical standards which are laid down by implementing Regulation (EU) 142/2011.
— | Materials derived from faecal matter, straw and other natural non-hazardous agricultural or forestry material as defined in Article 2(1)(f) of Directive 2008/98/EC.
— | Materials derived from any other biomass by-products, as defined in Article 5 of Directive 2008/98/EC, that are not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3.
— | Materials derived from recycling or recovery of any other biomass waste not mentioned above, subject to the provisions of (2) and sub-criterion 2.3.
(2) | The following materials are not allowed as organic constituents of a final product.—Materials totally or partially derived from the organic fraction of mixed municipal household waste separated through mechanical, physicochemical, biological and/or manual treatment.—Materials totally or partially derived from sludges derived from municipal sewage water treatment and from sludges derived from the paper industry.—Materials totally or partially derived from sludges other than those allowed in Criterion 2.3.—Materials totally or partially derived from category 1 animal by-products according to Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009. | — | Materials totally or partially derived from the organic fraction of mixed municipal household waste separated through mechanical, physicochemical, biological and/or manual treatment. | — | Materials totally or partially derived from sludges derived from municipal sewage water treatment and from sludges derived from the paper industry. | — | Materials totally or partially derived from sludges other than those allowed in Criterion 2.3. | — | Materials totally or partially derived from category 1 animal by-products according to Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.
— | Materials totally or partially derived from the organic fraction of mixed municipal household waste separated through mechanical, physicochemical, biological and/or manual treatment.
— | Materials totally or partially derived from sludges derived from municipal sewage water treatment and from sludges derived from the paper industry.
— | Materials totally or partially derived from sludges other than those allowed in Criterion 2.3.
— | Materials totally or partially derived from category 1 animal by-products according to Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.
Criterion 2.3. Materials derived from recycling or recovery of sludges are only allowed if the sludges comply with the following requirements:
(a) | they are identified as one of the following types of waste according to the European List of Wastes, as defined by Commission Decision 2000/532/EC(5)presented in Table 2:Table 2Sludges allowed and their codes according to the European List of Wastes0203 05sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the preparation and processing of fruit, vegetables, cereals, edible oils, cocoa, coffee, tea and tobacco, conserve production, yeast and yeast extract production, molasses preparation and fermentation;0204 03sludges from on-site effluent treatment in sugar processing;0205 02sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the dairy products industry;0206 03sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the baking and confectionery industry;0207 05sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except coffee, tea and cocoa). | 0203 05 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the preparation and processing of fruit, vegetables, cereals, edible oils, cocoa, coffee, tea and tobacco, conserve production, yeast and yeast extract production, molasses preparation and fermentation; | 0204 03 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in sugar processing; | 0205 02 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the dairy products industry; | 0206 03 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the baking and confectionery industry; | 0207 05 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except coffee, tea and cocoa).
0203 05 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the preparation and processing of fruit, vegetables, cereals, edible oils, cocoa, coffee, tea and tobacco, conserve production, yeast and yeast extract production, molasses preparation and fermentation;
0204 03 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in sugar processing;
0205 02 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the dairy products industry;
0206 03 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the baking and confectionery industry;
0207 05 | sludges from on-site effluent treatment in the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except coffee, tea and cocoa).
(b) | they are single-source separated, meaning that there has been no mixing with effluents or sludges outside a specific production process.Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with the information about the origin of each organic constituent of the product and a declaration of compliance with the above requirement.
Criterion 3 — Mineral growing media and mineral constituents
Criterion 3.1. Energy consumption and CO2 emissions
This criterion applies to mineral growing media only.
The manufacture of expanded minerals and mineral wool shall fulfil the following energy consumption and CO2emissions thresholds:
— | Energy consumption/product ≤ 11 GJ/t product
— | CO2emissions/product ≤ 0,8 t CO2/t productThe ratio energy consumption/product shall be calculated as an annual average as follows:
Where:
— | nis the number of years of the period used to calculate the average
— | iis each year of the period used to calculate the average
— | Productionis the production of mineral wool or expanded minerals in tonnes in the yeari
— | Fis the annual consumption of fuels in the production process in the yeari
— | Elgridis the annual electricity consumption from the grid in the yeari
— | Hcogis the annual consumption of useful heat from cogeneration in the yeari
— | Elcogis the annual consumption of electricity from cogeneration in the yeari
— | Ref HηandRef Eηare the reference efficiencies for the separate production of heat and electricity as defined in the Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council(6)and calculated according to the Commission Implementing Decision 2011/877/EU(7)
— | PEScogis the primary energy saving of the cogeneration plant as defined in the Directive 2012/27/EU, in the yeariThe ratio CO2emissions/product shall be calculated as an annual average as follows:
Where:
— | nis the number of years of the period used to calculate the average
— | iis each year of the period used to calculate the average
— | Productionis the mineral wool production in tonnes in the yeari
— | Direct CO2is the CO2emissions as defined in Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012(8), in the yeari
— | Indirect CO2is the indirect CO2emissions due to final energy consumption in the yeari, and shall be calculated as:
Where:
— | FEgridis the EU average carbon intensity of the electricity grid, according to MEErP(9)methodology (0,384 tCO2/MWhe = 0,107 tCO2/GJe)
— | FEfuel cogis the CO2emission factor of the fuel consumed in the cogeneration plantThe direct CO2emissions shall be monitored according to Regulation (EU) No 601/2012.
The period to calculate the ratios energy consumption/product and CO2emissions/product shall be the last 5 years before the application. If the operation period of the plant is less than 5 years at the date of application, the ratio shall be calculated as an annual average of that operation period, which shall be at least 1 year.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a declaration which includes the following information.
— | Ratio energy consumption (GJ)/product (tonne).
— | Ratio CO2emissions (tonne)/product (tonne).
— | Direct CO2emissions (tonnes) for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Indirect CO2emissions (tonnes) for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Fuels consumed, consumption of each fuel (GJ), sub-process/es of the manufacture process where they are consumed for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Electricity consumption from the grid (GJ final energy) for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Useful heat consumption from cogeneration (GJ final energy) for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Electricity consumption from cogeneration (GJ final energy) for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Reference efficiencies for separate production of heat and electricity.
— | Primary energy saving (PES) (%) of the cogeneration for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Identification of fuels used in cogeneration and their share in the fuel mix, for each year of the period to calculate the average.The following documents shall be provided together with the declarations.
— | Annual emissions report according to Regulation (EU) No 601/2012, for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Verification report finding the annual emissions report satisfactory according to Commission Regulation (EU) No 600/2012(10), for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Records of electricity consumption from the grid provided by the supplier, for each year of the period to calculate the average.
— | Records of the useful heat and electricity consumption from cogeneration, both on-site and purchased, for each year of the period to calculate the average.
Criterion 3.2. Sources of mineral extraction
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
Extracted minerals can be used as constituents of the final product provided that:
(1) | (Within the EU): If they are extracted from Natura 2000 network areas, composed of Special Protection Areas under Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(11)on the conservation of wild birds, and Special Areas of Conservation under Council Directive 92/43/EEC(12)on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, extraction activities have been assessed and authorised in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC and taking into account the EC Guidance document on non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000(13);
(2) | (Outside the EU): If they are extracted from protected areas designated as such under the national legislation of the sourcing/exporting countries, the extraction activities have been assessed and authorised in accordance with provisions that provide assurances equivalent to those under (1).Assessment and verification
In case mineral extraction activities have been carried out in Natura 2000 network areas (in the EU) or protected areas designated as such under the national legislation of the sourcing/exporting countries (outside the EU), the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this requirement issued by the competent authorities or a copy of their authorisation issued by the competent authorities.
Criterion 3.3. Mineral growing media use and after use
This criterion is applicable to mineral growing media only.
The mineral growing media shall only be offered for use for professional horticultural applications.
The applicant shall offer customers a structured collection and recycling service, which may use third party service providers. The collection and recycling service shall cover a minimum of 70 % v/v of the applicant’s sales of the product across the European Union.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a declaration that the mineral growing media is only offered for use in professional horticultural applications. A statement about the professional horticultural application of the product shall be included in the information provided to the end-user.
The applicant shall inform the Competent Body about the option(s) on offer of structured collection and recycling service and the results of the option(s) implemented. In particular, the applicant shall provide the following documentation and information.
— | Contract documentation between the manufacturer and the service providers.
— | Description of collection, processing and destinations.
— | Annual overview of the total sales volume of growing media in the European Union Member States and an annual overview of the sales volumes in areas of those Member States where collection and processing are on offer.
— | In case of new entrants, an estimation of the annual overview of the total sales volume of growing media in the European Union Member States and an estimation of the annual overview of the sales volumes in areas of those Member States where collection and processing are on offer, shall be provided. Real data shall be provided 1 year after the EU Ecolabel license is awarded.
Criterion 4 — Recycled/recovered and organic materials in growing media
This criterion applies to growing media only.
Growing media products shall contain a minimum percentage of recycled/recovered content or organic content, as follows:
(a) | The growing medium shall contain a minimum of 30 % of organic constituents (expressed as volume of organic constituent per total volume of the final product); or
(b) | The mineral growing medium shall contain mineral constituents manufactured from a process using at least 30 % of recycled materials (expressed as the dry weight of recycled/recovered materials per total dry weight of the input materials).Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall declare the following information:
— | for the case (a): volume of organic constituents declared in Criterion 1 per total volume of the final product, or
— | for the case (b): dry weight of recycled/recovered materials per total dry weight of the input materials.For the case (b), the applicant shall also declare the following information about the mineral constituents:
— | identification of raw material inputs, dry weight of the raw material input per total dry weight of the input materials, and origin, for each raw material input, and
— | identification of recycled/recovered material inputs, dry weight of recycled/recovered material input per total dry weight of the input materials and origin, for each recycled/recovered material input.
Criterion 5 — Limitation of hazardous substances
Criterion 5.1. — Limits for heavy metals
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
(a) Soil improvers, mulch and organic constituents of growing mediaFor soil improvers, mulch and organic constituents of growing media, the content of the following elements in the final product or constituent shall not exceed the values shown in Table 3, measured in terms of dry weight (DW) of the product.
Table 3
Heavy metals limits for soil improvers, mulch and organic constituents of growing media
Heavy metal | Maximum content in the product (mg/kg DW)
Cadmium (Cd) | 1
Chromium total (Cr) | 100
Copper (Cu) | 100
Mercury (Hg) | 1
Nickel (Ni) | 50
Lead (Pb) | 100
Zinc (Zn) | 300(b) Growing mediaFor growing media, including mineral growing media, the content of the following elements in the final product shall not exceed the values shown in Table 4, measured in terms of dry weight of the product.
Table 4
Heavy metal limits for growing media, including mineral growing media
Heavy metal | Maximum content in the product (mg/kg DW)
Cadmium (Cd) | 3
Chromium total (Cr) | 150
Copper (Cu) | 100
Mercury (Hg) | 1
Nickel (Ni) | 90
Lead (Pb) | 150
Zinc (Zn) | 300Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in the respective EN standards presented in Table 5. In the case of organic constituents of growing media, the test reports may be provided by the suppliers.
Table 5
Standard methods of extraction and measurement of heavy metals
Heavy metals | Method of measurement | Method of extraction
Cadmium (Cd) | EN 13650 | For soil improvers, mulch, organic constituents of growing media and growing media, except mineral growing media:EN 13650 Soil improvers and growing media — Extraction of aqua regia soluble elementsFor mineral growing media:EN 13651 Soil improvers and growing media — Extraction of calcium chloride/DTPA (CAT) soluble nutrients and elements
Chromium total (Cr) | EN 13650
Copper (Cu) | EN 13650
Mercury (Hg) | EN 16175(14)
Nickel (Ni) | EN 13650
Lead (Pb) | EN 13650
Zinc (Zn) | EN 13650
Criterion 5.2. — Limits for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch, with the exception of mineral growing media.
The content of the following polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the final product shall not exceed the value shown in Table 6, measured in terms of dry weight of the product.
Table 6
Limit for PAH
Pollutant | Maximum content in the product (mg/kg DW)
PAH16 | 6
PAH16= sum of naphthalene, acenaphtylene, acenaphtene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[ghi]peryleneAssessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in CEN/TS 16181 Sludge, treated biowaste and soil — Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or equivalent.
Criterion 5.3. — Hazardous substances and mixtures
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
The final product shall not be classified and labelled as being acutely toxic, a specific target organ toxicant, a respiratory or skin sensitiser, or carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction hazardous to the environment, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council(15).
The product shall not contain substances or mixtures classified as toxic, hazardous to the environment, respiratory or skin sensitisers, or carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and as interpreted according to the hazard statements listed in Table 7. Any intentionally added ingredient present at a concentration above 0,010 % w/w (in terms of wet weight) in the product shall meet this requirement. Where stricter, the generic or specific concentration limits determined in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall prevail to the cut-off limit value of 0,010 % w/w (in terms of wet weight) mentioned above.
Table 7
Restricted hazard classifications and their categorisation
Acute toxicity
Category 1 and 2 | Category 3
H300 Fatal if swallowed | H301 Toxic if swallowed
H310 Fatal in contact with skin | H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H330 Fatal if inhaled | H331 Toxic if inhaled
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways | EUH070 Toxic by eye contact
Specific target organ toxicity
Category 1 | Category 2
H370 Causes damage to organs | H371 May cause damage to organs
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure | H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Respiratory and skin sensitisation
Category 1A | Category 1B
H317: May cause allergic skin reaction | H317: May cause allergic skin reaction
H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled | H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
Carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction
Category 1A and 1B | Category 2
H340 May cause genetic defects | H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H350 May cause cancer | H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation |
H360F May damage fertility | H361f Suspected of damaging fertility
H360D May damage the unborn child | H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child | H361fd Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child
H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child | H362 May cause harm to breast fed children
H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility |
Hazardous to the aquatic environment
Category 1 and 2 | Category 3 and 4
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life | H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects | H413 May cause long-lasting effects to aquatic life
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
Hazardous to the ozone layer
H420 Hazardous to the ozone layer | The most recent classification rules adopted by the Union shall take precedence over the listed hazard classifications. In accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, applicants shall therefore ensure that any classifications are based on the most recent rules on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
The hazard statements generally refer to substances. However, if information on substances cannot be obtained, the classification rules for mixtures shall apply.
Substances or mixtures which change their properties through processing and thus become no longer bioavailable or undergo chemical modification in a way that removes the previously identified hazard are exempted from criterion 5.3.
This criterion does not apply to those final products composed by:
— | Materials not included in the scope of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 according its Article 2(2).
— | Substances covered by Article 2(7)(b) of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006,which sets out criteria for exempting substances within Annex V to that Regulation from the registration, downstream user and evaluation requirements.In order to determine if this exclusion applies, the applicant shall screen any intentionally added substance present at a concentration above 0,010 % w/w (in terms of wet weight).
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall screen the presence of substances and mixtures that may be classified with the hazard statements reported in this criterion. The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a declaration of compliance with this criterion for the product.
That declaration shall include related documentation, such as declarations of compliance signed by the suppliers, on the non-classification of the substances, mixtures or materials with any of the hazard classes associated to the hazard statements referred in Table 7 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as far as this can be determined, as a minimum, from the information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
The information provided shall relate to the forms or physical states of the substances or mixtures as used in the final product.
The following technical information shall be provided to support the declaration of classification or non-classification for each substance and mixture:
(i) | for substances that have not been registered under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 or which do not yet have a harmonised CLP classification: information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII to that Regulation;
(ii) | for substances that have been registered under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and which do not meet the requirements for CLP classification: information based on the REACH registration dossier confirming the non-classified status of the substance;
(iii) | for substances that have a harmonised classification or are self-classified: safety data sheets where available. If these are not available or the substance is self-classified then information shall be provided relevant to the substances hazard classification in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006;
(iv) | in the case of mixtures: safety data sheets where available. If these are not available then calculation of the mixture classification shall be provided according to the rules under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 together with information relevant to the mixtures hazard classification in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.Safety data sheets shall be provided for the materials composing the final product and for substances and mixtures used in the formulation and treatment of the materials remaining in the final product at a concentration above a cut-off limit of 0,010 % w/w (in terms of wet weight) unless a lower generic or specific concentration limit applies in accordance with the Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Safety data sheets shall be completed in accordance with the guidance set out in sections 10, 11 and 12 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (requirements for the compilation of safety data sheets). Incomplete safety data sheets shall require supplementing with information from declarations by chemical suppliers.
Information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests, for instance through the use of alternative methods such as in vitro methods, by quantitative structure activity models or by the use of grouping or read-across in accordance with Annex XI to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
The sharing of relevant data across the supply chain is strongly encouraged.
In the case of mineral wool, the applicant shall also provide the following:
(a) | Certificate awarded for the right to use the European Certification Board for Mineral Wool Products trademark to demonstrate compliance with the Note Q within the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
(b) | Test report according to ISO 14184-1 Textiles — Determination of formaldehyde — Part 1: Free and hydrolysed formaldehyde.
Criterion 5.4. — Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
The final product shall not contain any intentionally added substances of very high concern and included in the list provided for in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, present in the final product in concentrations > 0,010 % in terms of wet weight.
Assessment and verification:
Reference to the latest list of substances of very high concern shall be made on the date of application. The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with criterion 5.4, together with related documentation, including declarations of compliance signed by the material suppliers and copies of relevant SDS for substances or mixtures in accordance with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for substances or mixtures. Concentration limits shall be specified in the safety data sheets in accordance with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for substances and mixtures.
Criterion 5.5. — Limits for E. coli and Salmonella spp.
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch, with the exception of mineral growing media.
The content of primary pathogens in the final product shall not exceed the levels set in Table 8.
Table 8
Limit values for E. coli and Salmonella spp.
Pathogen | Limit
E. coli | 1 000 CFU/g fresh weight
Salmonellaspp. | absent in 25 g fresh weight
CFU= colony-forming units.Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in Table 9.
Table 9
Standard test method for E. coli and Salmonella spp.
Parameter | Test method
E. coli | CEN/TR 16193 Sludge, treated biowaste and soil. Detection and enumeration ofEscherichia colior equivalent
Salmonellaspp. | ISO 6579 Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs — Horizontal method for the detection ofSalmonellaspp.
Criterion 6 — Stability
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch, with the exception of mulch totally composed of lignocellulosic constituents and mineral growing media.
Soil improvers and mulch for non-professional applications and growing media for all applications shall meet one of the requirements presented in Table 10.
Table 10
Stability requirements of soil improvers and mulch intended for non-professional applications and growing media intended for all applications
Stability parameter | Requirement
Maximum Respirometric index | 15 mmol O2/kg organic matter/h
Minimum Rottegrad, where applicable | IV (self-heating test temperature rise of maximum 20 °C above ambient temperature)Soil improvers and mulch for professional applications shall meet one of the requirements presented in Table 11.
Table 11
Stability requirements of soil improvers and mulch intended for professional applications
Stability parameter | Requirement
Maximum Respirometric index | 25 mmol O2/kg organic matter/h
Minimum Rottegrad, where applicable | III (self-heating test temperature rise of maximum 30 °C above ambient temperature)Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in Table 12.
Table 12
Standard test method for stability
Parameter | Test method
Respirometric index | EN 16087-1 Soil improvers and growing media — Determination of the aerobic biological activity. Oxygen uptake rate (OUR)
Rottegrad | EN 16087-2 Soil improvers and growing media. Determination of the aerobic biological activity. Self-heating test for compost
Criterion 7 — Physical Contaminants
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch, with the exception of mineral growing media.
The content of glass, metal and plastic with mesh size of > 2 mm in the final product shall not exceed 0,5 %, measured in terms of dry weight.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in the Technical Specification CEN/TS 16202 (Sludge, treated biowaste and soil — Determination of impurities and stones), or another equivalent testing procedure authorised by the Competent Body.
Criterion 8 — Organic matter and dry matter
This criterion applies to soil improvers and mulch.
The organic matter as loss on ignition of the final product shall be at least 15 % dry weight (% DW).
The dry matter content of the final product shall be at least 25 % of the fresh weight (% FW).
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with test reports conducted in accordance with the testing procedure presented in Table 13.
Table 13
Standard test methods for Dry matter and Organic matter
Parameter | Test method
Dry matter (% FW) | EN 13040 Soil improvers and growing media. Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests, determination of dry matter content, moisture content and laboratory compacted bulk density
Organic matter as Loss on Ignition (% DM) | EN 13039 Soil improvers and growing media. Determination of organic matter content and ash
Criterion 9 — Viable weed seeds and plant propagules
This criterion applies to growing media and soil improvers, with the exception of mineral growing media.
Final products shall not contain more than two units of viable weed seeds and plant propagules per litre.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a test report in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in the Technical Specification CEN/TS 16201 (Sludge, treated biowaste and soil — Determination of viable plant seeds and propagules), or another equivalent testing procedure authorised by the Competent Body.
Criterion 10 — Plant response
This criterion applies to growing media and soil improvers.
Final products shall not adversely affect plant emergence or subsequent growth.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a valid test conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in EN 16086-1 (Soil improvers and growing media — Determination of plant response — Part 1: Pot growth test with Chinese cabbage).
Criterion 11 — Growing media features
This criterion only applies to growing media.
Criterion 11.1. — Electrical conductivity
The electrical conductivity of the final product shall be below 100 mS/m.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a test report conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in EN 13038 (Soil improvers and growing media — Determination of electrical conductivity).
Criterion 11.2. — pH
The pH of the final product shall be in the range 4-7.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a test report conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in EN 13037 (Soil improvers and growing media — Determination of pH).
Criterion 11.3. — Sodium content
The sodium content in water extracts of the final product shall not exceed 150 mg/l of fresh product.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a test report conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in EN 13652 (Soil improvers and growing media — Extraction of water soluble nutrients and elements).
Criterion 11.4. — Chloride content
The chloride content in water extracts of the final product shall not exceed 500 mg/l of fresh product.
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a test report conducted in accordance with the testing procedure indicated in EN 13652 (Soil improvers and growing media — Extraction of water soluble nutrients and elements).
Criterion 12 — Provision of information
This criterion applies to growing media, soil improvers and mulch.
The following information shall be provided with the product either on the packaging or in accompanying fact sheets.
Criterion 12.1. — Soil improvers
(a) | The name and address of the body responsible for marketing;
(b) | A descriptor identifying the product by type, including the wording ‘SOIL IMPROVER’;
(c) | A batch identification code;
(d) | The quantity (in weight);
(e) | Range of moisture content;
(f) | The main materials (those over 5 % by weight) from which the product has been manufactured;
(g) | The recommended conditions of storage and the recommended ‘use by’ date;
(h) | Guidelines for safe handling and use;
(i) | A description of the purpose for which the product is intended and any limitations on use, including a statement about the suitability of the product for particular plant groups (e.g. calcifuges or calcicoles);
(j) | pH (reference of the test method used);
(k) | Organic carbon content (%), total nitrogen content (%) and inorganic nitrogen content (%) (reference to the test method used);
(l) | Carbon/Nitrogen ratio;
(m) | Total phosphorus (%) and total potassium (%) (reference to the test method used);
(n) | For products for non-professional use, a statement about the stability of organic matter (stable or very stable);
(o) | A statement on recommended methods of use;
(p) | In non-professional applications: recommended rate of application expressed in kilograms of product per unit surface area (m2) per annum.
Criterion 12.2. — Growing media
(a) | The name and address of the body responsible for marketing;
(b) | A descriptor identifying the product by type, including the wording ‘GROWING MEDIUM’;
(c) | A batch identification code;
(d) | The quantity (in volume or number of slabs, in case of mineral wool, specifying the dimensions of the slab);
(e) | Range of moisture content;
(f) | The main materials (those over 5 % by volume) from which the product has been manufactured;
(g) | The recommended conditions of storage and the recommended ‘use by’ date;
(h) | Guidelines for safe handling and use;
(i) | A description of the purpose for which the product is intended and any limitations on use, including a statement about the suitability of the product for particular plant groups (e.g. calcifuges or calcicoles);
(j) | pH (EN 13037);
(k) | Electrical Conductivity (1:5 extraction);
(l) | Germination inhibition (EN 16086-1);
(m) | Growth inhibition (EN 16086-1);
(n) | A statement about the stability of organic matter (stable or very stable);
(o) | A statement on recommended methods of use;
(p) | For mineral growing media, a statement about the professional horticultural application.
Criterion 12.3. — Mulch
(a) | The name and address of the body responsible for marketing;
(b) | A descriptor identifying the product by type, including the wording ‘MULCH’;
(c) | A batch identification code;
(d) | The quantity (in volume);
(e) | Range of moisture content;
(f) | The main materials (those over 5 % by volume) from which the product has been manufactured;
(g) | Guidelines for safe handling and use;
(h) | A description of the purpose for which the product is intended and any limitations on use, including a statement about the suitability of the product for particular plant groups (e.g. calcifuges or calcicoles);
(i) | pH (reference of the test method used);
(j) | A statement about the stability of organic matter (stable or very stable), where applicable, for non-professional uses;
(k) | A statement on recommended methods of use;
(l) | In non-professional applications: recommended rate of application expressed in mm.Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall declare that the product complies with this criterion and provide the Competent Body with a sample of the packaging or fact sheets or the text of the user information written on the packaging or accompanying fact sheets.
Criterion 13 — Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
The optional label with text box shall contain the following text:
— | promotes the recycling of materials
— | promotes the use of renewable and recycled materialsFor soil improvers and mulch, the additional information shall be included:
— | reduces soil and water pollution, by limiting heavy metals concentrationsThe guidelines for the use of the optional label with the text box can be found in the ‘Guidelines for the use of the EU Ecolabel logo’ on the website:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/logo_guidelines.pdf
Assessment and verification:
The applicant shall provide the Competent Body with a sample of the product packaging showing the label, together with a declaration of compliance with this criterion.
(1) Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).
(2) Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 of 25 February 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and implementing Council Directive 97/78/EC as regards certain samples and items exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive (OJ L 54, 26.2.2011, p. 1).
(3) Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).
(4) Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation) (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 1).
(5) Commission Decision 2000/532/EC of 3 May 2000 replacing Decision 94/3/EC establishing a list of wastes pursuant to Article 1(a) of Council Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and Council Decision 94/904/EC establishing a list of hazardous waste pursuant to Article 1(4) of Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste (OJ L 226, 6.9.2000, p. 3).
(6) Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).
(7) Commission Implementing Decision 2011/877/EU of 19 December 2011 establishing harmonised efficiency reference values for separate production of electricity and heat in application of Directive 2004/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Decision 2007/74/EC (OJ L 343, 23.12.2011, p. 91).
(8) Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 181, 12.7.2012, p. 30).
(9) Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (http://www.meerp.eu/).
(10) Commission Regulation (EU) No 600/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 181, 12.7.2012, p. 1).
(11) Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).
(12) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).
(13) EC Guidance on undertaking new non-energy extractive activities in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/neei_n2000_guidance.pdf).
(14) EN 16175 Sludge, treated biowaste and soil — Determination of mercury. Part 1: Cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) and Part 2: Cold-vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS.)
(15) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).